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It’s common knowledge that the sun can do extreme damage to our skin, but did you know itisn’t limited to early signs of aging or skin cancer? Below are eight different skin conditions youmay not know the sun can cause.

1. Dry skin

The sun has direct contact with exposed skin, leading to a loss of moisture and essential oils. This lack of nutrients and moisture can lead to dry, flaky skin. Using sunscreen andmoisturizing regularly can help relieve dry skin caused by the sun.

2. Freckles

When we are in the sun, our melanocytes kick into high gear, protecting our fragile skinfrom overexposure to dangerous sunrays. This causes small clumps of melanin to pile up,causing freckles to become more prominent, especially on those with fair skin.

3. Sallow skin

Overexposure to the sun can cause discoloration of the skin. The sun can cause yourregular skin pigmentation to turn a deep yellow, a condition called sallowness. Toprevent or treat sallow skin, exfoliate regularly, consider taking a vitamin D supplement,using a brightening cleanser with vitamin C and wearing sunscreen with at least 30 SPFevery day. Consider a product like Visha Skin Care’s Advanced Correcting Serum.

4. Solar Elastosis

Another common name for solar elastosis is wrinkles. The sun causes the skin’s elasticqualities to vanish, causing early signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Theelastic tissues within the skin deteriorate from direct and/or constant exposure to the sun,causing the skin to sag and droop. The lack of tautness and tissue results in prematurewrinkles.

5. Age spots

Age spots are a collection of pigment in the upper layer of the skin. They are usually tan,brown or black spots that appear on the face, arms, shoulders and hands. They are flat,oval areas and can range from the size of a freckle to a half-inch or more in diameter.They can sometimes clump together to create larger areas that are more prominent andnoticeable.

Age spots are most common in people older than 50, but younger people can get themdue to the spots being hereditary. They often become more apparent as you increase inage because your skin has undergone more exposure to UV rays, which damage yourskin. The melanin in your skin globs together, causing these unsightly blemishes.Although they aren’t pretty, age spots are, for the most part, harmless. Still, you shouldmake sure to have your doctor check any new skin changes that your body goes throughto be safe, and remember the ABCDE of melanoma.

6. Moles

Moles are round or oval-shaped spots of raised skin that are often brown, red or black inappearance. They are extremely common and are usually nothing to worry about.However, excessive sun exposure can cause moles to become dangerous.You should see a doctor if your mole:
– appears after age 20
– is painful, itching or bleeding
– is expelling a discharge
– is scaly
– has changed shape, size, color or surface

7. Polymorphous light eruption

Polymorphous light eruption is acquired from sun exposure and is most common inwomen between the ages of 20 and 40. This condition results from sun exposure,occurring in people who have developed a sensitivity to the sun. It often presents as abumpy red or pink rash, is itchy and dry and is often accompanied by a burning sensation.The condition will eventually go away on its own, but protection from the sun canprevent further outbreaks.

8. Skin cancers

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma results from unrepaireddamage to skin cells that then result in mutations leading to tumors.Symptoms include:
– a change in the color, size or shape of a mole
– a new mole or skin growth
– the color of a mole spreading to the surrounding skin
– itching, bleeding or discharge from a mole

Basal cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer you can develop from sun exposure.This type of cancer is an abnormal skin growth that occurs in the deepest layer of theepidermis. Luckily, the basal cell usually remains in one area without spreading.Symptoms include:
– waxy skin growth
– unhealed wounds
– sunken wounds
– a sore with no injury
– crusty or bloody wound

Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common form of skin cancer. Squamouscell carcinomas are an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells growing in the squamouscells, which compose most of the upper layer of the skin.Symptoms include:
– unhealed sores
– changes in a mole or skin growth
– scaly growth with red areas
– sores in your mouth
– newly developed growths

All skin cancers are dangerous. If you notice any of the symptoms above or haveconcerns about patches of skin, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Theearlier these cancers are detected, the less harmful they will be to your body.

Have any questions about sun exposure we didn’t answer here? Leave it in the comments or call901-759-2322 to schedule an appointment with the ADSCA staff.

The following post is brought to you by Visha Skincare —a brand of skin care lines that can be used to treat multiple skin issues and are cost-effective and suitable for both women and men of all skin types.

Born in London, raised in Wales, I immigrated to the United States when I was 12-years-old. The only brown girl in my school, with a thick Gallic accent to bat. My parents in true Patel style came to run a motel — I was raised in one, living eating, breathing the business. Customers were number one, and customer service was ingrained. The business coursing through my veins, and the drive to please my struggling parents got me through my schooling. Marry a Patel they said, and I did. Go to medical school they said, and I did. Dermatology was my choice. They didn’t really understand and found it rather unglamorous when telling their family and friends. Dermatology is my passion, the ability to treat the largest organ of the body, treat all ages, and see the treatment work was MY choice. When my father was dying of a squamous cell carcinoma of his mouth (from beetle nut chewing), he asked me “beta, you can treat these before they spread” and Mohs micrographic surgery/skin cancer surgery was MY choice, my purpose.

Treating my patients in Memphis, Tennessee, at my practice, I quickly became an expert in skin of color, and was soon lecturing around the country and teaching the dermatology residents. I saw that all skin types have the same issue when treating for clear complexions, getting rid of dark spots, or sun spots is one of them. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that is often prescribed, and it is toxic. I knew I had to create an alternative and make a safe, affordable option. A way to get a clear complexion. Working with a lab, Visha Skincare Advanced Line was born soon thereafter. A skincare line that not only addressed common skincare conditions with over the counter products that works but also each product did more than one thing. Each product could give more than one result, from acne and sun spots to wrinkles and scars.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on why primers are best to use before applying foundation.

You can’t have good makeup without good skin. If you don’t have a healthy and thriving canvas, how else will your artistry truly shine? And nowadays, the divide between makeup and skincare isn’t so rigid: Gone are the days that chalky foundations are guaranteed to break you out — and same goes for primers. In fact, there are so many new 2019 primers that are good for your skin that it might be hard to pick the right one, especially if you’re acne-prone or sensitive.

Before you apply your foundation or tinted moisturizers, primers act to give a smooth surface to the makeup, Dr. Purvisha Patel, dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, tells TZR. “They come in many flavors, and have different active ingredients to help with skin issues when the primer is on the skin.”

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on why it’s important to protect your scalp from sunburns.

Although it might seem unnecessary at first thought, those who have experienced a burnt scalp firsthand know how painful it can be. Not to mention that just one sunburn can cause lasting damage to your skin. “The skin needs protection from the sun, whether it is on your scalp or anywhere else on the body,” explains Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “In fact, the scalp is at an even greater risk for sunburn because it faces upwards to the sun and is often completely unprotected.”

If avoiding a sunburn isn’t reason enough to start protecting your part (though it should be), sun damage to the scalp can also “bleach the hair and contribute to brittleness,” says Zeichner.

What’s more, if you think your hair isn’t enough to protect against scalp burns, think again. “Most people think that hair will protect the skin on your scalp, but this is not true,” explains board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel. “Especially in those with light-colored or thinner hair, scalps can burn and part lines in the scalp are common places for skin cancer.” Your scalp is also one of the first areas to get hit by sunlight when you step outside, so if you’re not a regular hat-wearer, a scalp-protective SPF makes a lot of sense.

Although it’s the dreary, gray end of winter in New York City, I gave the Poof powder a try for myself. While I can’t really attest to its sun-protective powers (oh, sun, where are you?), I canshare that it feels very similar to a powder-based dry shampoo. And, like it claims, it didn’t leave my roots feeling or looking greasy.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on avoiding scalp pimples and how to treat them.

Flaky scalp and dandruff remedies you’re probably well-versed in but when it comes to a scalp pimple, the solution may not be as straightforward as a Google search. Interestingly enough, the kinds of oils you use could be the culprit for a scalp pimple. Here to lay down the facts about scalp pimples is board certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare , Dr. Purvisha Patel. Ahead, Dr. Patel shares her tips for avoiding scalp pimples and how to treat one if and when one gives your scalp a surprise visit.

Where Did This Pimple Come From?

Follicle infections, or scalp pimples, are caused by four things: follicular occlusion, oil production or adding edible oils, bacteria or fungal growth and inflammation. We are mammals and covered with hair follicles. Hair follicle infections can occur anywhere on the body. They tend to get worse in the scalp because we cannot see them and they are covered with hair. People who have curly, long or frizzy hair that use edible oils for hair care get these more as bacteria and fungus grow more in warm, hot environments.

The article includes Dr. Patel’s reasoning on why keeping skincare products cool is beneficial, including helping keep the product active longer after opening.

Storing certain skincare products at a cooler temperature than the average room can be super beneficial. “A designated skincare fridge is a great way to keep your products active for a longer period of time after opening. Cooling the products helps inhibit bacterial and fungal growth once the product has been contaminated with fingers,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, Dr. Purvisha Patel. “Once products get exposed to air, they also get oxidized — refrigerating slows down the oxidation process and keeps [them] from becoming inactive.”

According to Dr. Patel, water-based serums, lotions, and gels do especially well when refrigerated. “Cooling can also make products soothe [the skin] and feel better when using, especially on those with sensitive skin,” she adds. Other beauty products that can benefit from being stored in a fridge include vitamin C serums, retinoids, face masks (except clay-based ones), and basically anything with aloe vera as an ingredient. Even beauty products like nail polishes and perfumes can be preserved better in a fridge.

The difference between storing skincare products in a fridge like the Amazon-loved Cooluli microfridgethis link opens in a new tab, as opposed to your regular kitchen refrigerator, is that the temperature you use to keep food cold can actually be too low for beauty products. If the temperature gets too low, they could end up freezing, which causes active ingredients in the products to break down. The Cooluli fridge’s temperature is just cool enough for a small batch of beauty items, but not as cold as your kitchen fridge.

The article includes Dr. Patel’s reasoning on why keeping skincare products cool is beneficial, including keeping active ingredients working for longer periods of time after opening and helping to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.

If your vitamin C serums are fighting with your Nutella for shelf space in your refrigerator, it might be time to invest in a skin-care fridge. These ultra-mini fridges have become a staple among skin-care enthusiasts everywhere and are beloved for their ability to keep products with active ingredients cold while also being particularly Instagrammable.

On the fence about adding one to your vanity? Dermatologist and Visha Skincare founder Purvisha Patel, MD, might sway you toward making the splurge. “A designated skin-care fridge, for those who have the space, time and money is a great way to keep your products with actives, active for a longer period of time after opening,” says Patel. “Cooling the skin-care products helps inhibit bacterial and fungal growth once the product has been contaminated with fingers etc. Once products get exposed to air, they also get oxidized. Refrigeration slows down the oxidation process and keeps the products from becoming inactive.” Keeping your products cool can also be helpful for those with sensitive skin because colder products can feel more soothing.

With that said, you don’t need to transfer all of your skin care into a fridge. Certain products are best kept chilled (think water-based serums and lotions), while products with high fat or oil content like body butters can be difficult to use after being refrigerated because they aren’t as easy to spread. Dr. Patel also cautions against storing products that are emulsions of oil and water (think La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Moisturizer for Very Sensitive Skin which has both water and shea butter) in the fridge because the oil and water will cool at different temperatures, meaning the actives will not be evenly dispersed when you apply it to your skin which can affect overall efficacy.

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on the correlation between acne and increased milk consumption.

The quality of your skin is a reflection of your lifestyle, specifically your diet. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between breakouts and the foods we eat, which is why it’s important to ensure that your diet is filled with nutrient-rich foods and drinks that are fortified with skin-healthy vitamins and minerals.

In fact, dermatologists say that there’s one drink that is notorious for clogging pores and causing flare-ups–it’s milk!

“Believe it or not, it is milk. There is a correlation between acne and increased milk consumption,” Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare , tells SheFinds. “Cows in today’s western world are stimulated to lactate and produce milk by giving them hormones or prolactin. They are also stimulated to grow by feeding them hormones.”

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on what ingredients in face mists you should avoid from drying out your skin.

Ever since the facial mist became a popular beauty product, I’ve hoarded a ton so that I can keep one on my desk, one in my bag, and one at home so that I can spritz my skin at a moment’s notice. Mists are the easiest skin-care product to incorporate—all you have to do is spritz and enjoy the hydrating, refreshing benefits.

But…that’s only if you’re doing it right. Sure, you can spray your skin whenever, wherever you want with whatever your go-to hydrosol is—but certain facial mists can actually result in a dried-out effect on your skin. “It seems counterintuitive, because we use facial mists to help create a dewy glow on the skin and to hydrate,” says Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare “After all, they’re augmented water-based products. But some ingredients could make your skin more dry.”

A couple of ingredients to avoid in your facial mist? Tea tree oil and citrus. “You should avoid tea tree in your face mist because, though it’s an oil, it can make your skin drier,” she says. “It’s used on oily skin to combat acne. And mists with citrus oils can actually make the skin rash when exposed to the sun, and can be more irritating than helpful.”

Also, that endless spritzing isn’t as innocent as it may seem. “Over-misting—like, once every hour—could disrupt the oil barrier on skin and make you more dry,” says Dr. Patel. “It would be like keeping your face wet for a prolonged period of time, which could result in the water evaporating from the surface of the skin and the skin being dry underneath.”

The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on finding out your skin type.

There’s nothing more disappointing than finally getting your hands on the hottest beauty product—the one that promises to give you skin like J.Lo —only for things to go terribly wrong. Your skin itches. Blemishes appear all over your face. And you feel instant regret over spending money on a product you can’t even use.

No, there isn’t a voodoo doll out there with your face on it. More than likely, using the wrong beauty products for your skin type causes this turmoil. I would know, because it happened to me.

As a fan of basically anything free (I’m all about that swag, as Michael Scott from The Office would say), I push through crowds and lunge through the air like a wild animal whenever free beauty samples are given out. The problem is that I don’t first consider my skin’s reaction to a new product. And as it turns out, I’m not alone.

According to Dr. Patel, MD Board Certified Dermatologist and Founder of Visha Skincare, many women don’t know their skin type. “We commonly think of skin type as being either oily, dry, or sensitive, and this can be a good start for making wise skincare decisions. Skin type can also be related to the amount of pigment in the skin with Type 1 being fair (sunburns easily) and Type 4 being darker (rarely burns).”